writing inspiration: how and where to find it

Stuck on an assignment? Can’t seem to generate so much as a sentence for that pesky persuasive essay? Fear not! Everybody gets stumped sometimes. In fact, as an author, more than sometimes. Likely, the second you’ve finally sat down with a warm cup of hot cocoa and taken out your brand new set of Zebra pens (go figure!). The page is blank. Your mind is blank. The world just seems… blank. But deep down, you know. You know these creative slumps are natural, that they come with the job of being a student. Whether its brain drain, overstimulation, or lack of motivation, its bound to hit us all at some point. So, from one creator to the next, let me be the first to share with you my go-to to strategies for beating writer’s block once and for all!

Tip #1) Embrace imperfection

First and foremost, if you plan on progressing in your work with ease, you must tackle your perfectionism. Like any serious author would, your primary instinct is probably to write as flawlessly as you can, as quickly as you can— and rightfully so. You have high standards and you put your heart and soul into all that you produce. That being said, the harsh reality is: academic writing is not the way we naturally structure our ideas. What your brain needs is exercise, not instant expectations. The sooner you learn to feel comfortable with unfinished material, and the sooner you learn to detach so much of your value from your writing, the easier it will be to generate heaps of valuable content. Otherwise, write like no one’s watching! Don’t shy away of needed mistakes that help inspire you to develop your style as a writer.

Tip #2) Move, move, move

Second of all, ask yourself: am I currently surrounded by lots of noise? Am I comfortable in this seat? What surface am I working on? Oftentimes, when our bodies feel numb and stiff, so can our creative capabilities. Word of advice: get the blood flowing, the heart pumping or simply trying to change your environment. Study with friends who lighten the mood.

Tip #3) Believe in your ideas

Lastly and most importantly, self-confidence in key. Have faith in the power of your words, acknowledge the fact that all the answers are inside you, and that the things you say really do matter. Treasure this point of view and you’ll be surprised by the amount of inspiration that comes your way

Sincerely,

Dear Youth Global